After stopping to examine some beautiful art deco architecture, we arrived at the train station just in time to hear the announcement that our train was being held due to something suspicious on the track. Which, come to find out, was the least of our problems because the workers at Versailles had announced the night before that they would be holding a vote on whether they were going on strike. So, a typical day in France. This was yet another time where I truly appreciated having a tour guide. Arnaud was informed of all the goings on and had all the contingencies covered. He made sure he did everything he could to keep our day from getting derailed. Thankfully, the workers decided not to strike and Arnaud knew another route to Versailles.
Just like the Louvre the day before, I found the Chateau to be way too crowded. Louis XIV, the “Sun King” who built Versailles, might have enjoyed the crowds gathered to marvel at the lavish palace, but I did not. It was hard to appreciate the opulence and grandeur when there were stout men and small children blocking every view. When you can barely see your reflection in the Hall of Mirrors, what really is the point?
The gardens and the rest of the grounds were far more appealing. There, the sun was shining bright. One couldn’t have asked for better weather. I could have benefited from taking some time to pause and make a game plan, but I was just so excited to be there. What I did manage to see was beautiful. Marie Antoinette can keep her cake; I prefer her gardens.
One place I knew I couldn’t miss was the Queens Hamlet. And it did not disappoint. The little village built for Marie Antoinette to play peasant was straight out of a fairy tale. And the fall foliage throughout was magical. I could have spent days wandering around taking photos.